One of the nation's leading public law schools, the Moritz College of Law strives to make a difference in the world through excellence in teaching, meaningful scholarship, and advancement of the legal profession.

It's the best of all worlds for students at the Moritz College of Law. Classes are small and intimate. Yet, they can enjoy the facilities, resources, and entertainment only a world-class university can offer.

There is something for everyone in Columbus, Ohio. There are more than 50 student groups at the law school alone, culturally enriching activities on campus year-round, and a thriving city to explore a few blocks from Drinko Hall.

Our alumni network is hard at work from coast to coast and beyond U.S. borders. Stay connected with classmates and the College through campus events, alumni gatherings, and many opportunities to mentor today's law students.

The Career Services Office is a hub for students, alumni, and employers alike. Whether it's a student looking for summer job opportunities or leading legal employers in search of highly qualified candidates, our staff is here to help.

There are many opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of various areas of law. Our professors are passionate about sharing the most fascinating aspects of their areas of expertise with students in the classroom. Programs, courses, journals, and student groups round out the learning experience for students, giving students freedom to explore their interests and refine their skills.

Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

The study of jurisprudence seeks to obtain a deeper understanding of the nature of law, legal reasoning, legal systems, and legal institutions. Early jurisprudential studies focused on the first principles of the natural law, civil law, and the law of nations. Today, general jurisprudence addresses fundamental questions structuring our legal system, including: How do we know what the law is? What are the proper sources and purposes of law? What is the relationship between law and justice? What is the source of one’s duty to obey the law? A familiarity with jurisprudence provides students with an ability to analyze, explain, classify, and criticize schools of thought in law.

Legal theory courses also may examine one or more of a variety of intellectual traditions that have helped to shape the law: natural law, natural rights theory, legal positivism, Marxism, formalism, legal realism, legal pragmatism, critical legal studies, critical race theory, feminist legal theory, law and economics, postmodern theories of law, among others. Courses also may study the roots and application of particular legal concepts in judicial decision-making (e.g., liberty, equality, neutrality, rationality, choice of law).

The study of law and legal and institutions is further enhanced through the perspectives of several disciplines, including economics, political science, philosophy, sociology, history, psychology, and criminal justice. At Moritz, the Center for Interdisciplinary Law and Policy Studies is committed to the promotion of interdisciplinary research, teaching, and public outreach designed to shed light on the nature and operation of law and legal institutions, as well as the effects of law on society and culture. The center brings numerous speakers and programs to the college each year.

The Ohio State University | Michael E. Moritz College of Law
55 West 12th Avenue | Columbus, OH 43210-1391 | (614) 292-2631
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